• London
• Innovation
• Government

Written by Eleanor Crouch, Digital Leaders

Digital Leaders Week saw a lot of events discussing Government digital transformation. These events took place across the UK, including London, West Midlands, the North East, and North West. The events heard from a variety of Government departments and sectors, advising listeners on how to improve their digital presence and skill-set in the digital age.

On Monday, we were in City Hall to hear from speakers including Andrew Collinge, GLA’s Assistant Director, Natalie Taylor, Senior Manager for Digital Transformation at the GLA and Theo Blackwell, LB Camden Councillor. Speakers discussed digital coordination across 32 London boroughs and citizen experience using data and digital technology in a panel discussion, followed by a Q&A.

In London we also heard from a number of Capita representatives including Stewart Davison, Head of Business Development for Housing; Alex Brennan, Product Manager, Digital Solutions and Dave Kearns, Technical Solutions Manager, Digital Solutions. Speakers discussed the use of Chatbots in the Public Sector, offering practical advice on what to consider and best support for the user journey. Read Stewart Davison’s blog about the event here.

In Manchester we heard discussants Ben Holliday, Head of User Experience Design at DWP and Stephen Morris, Director of Programmes at UKCloud, discuss ‘Citizen and User Experience’. Speakers explored the difference between customer and citizen experience, how the public sector can develop internal citizen experience, learning from industries such as retail. Read more about Ben Holliday’s thoughts on this topic here.

At #CivilServiceLive in Gateshead on Tuesday, we heard from various Defra representatives about digital transformation using digital technology and data. The workshop considered how data analysis can break down silos between departments, effectively facilitate transformation and improve digital services.

On Thursday, digital leaders gathered in the London for the 12th National Digital Conference 2017. We heard from two Government departments on digital transformation. Clare Moriarty, Permanent Secretary at Defra, discussed her department’s digital transformation and the importance of adapting the organisation to accommodate the people.

Mayank Prakesh from DWP also discussed digital transformation in his department, emphasising the value of AI in innovation. He stated that to drive digital transformation, people must be driven by user needs.

DWP hosted an event in Leeds where we heard a number of female speakers from different sectors, discussing the Digital Gender Divide and inclusion. This event marked the relaunch of the Women in Technology network. Speakers explored encouraging women into digital roles, increasing opportunities to empower women in digital and highlighting the progress the government and digital sector could make to become inclusive employers for women. Read keynote speaker Claudia Wootten’s recap of the event here.

DL100 Council of the Year 2016 Wigan, hosted an event on Friday where we heard from a diverse panel of digital leaders, discussing their own digital journey and the need for more digital transformation. The panel included Digital Skills or Inclusion Innovation Winners 2017 Liverpool Girl Geeks. Watch the Destination Digital video summary here.

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